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Some of the entries for the competition to design the 3D Printing Industry Awards trophy.More entries for the competition to design the 3D Printing Industry Awards trophy.

After reviewing more than one hundred entries from 3D designers across the globe, we settled on a winner. And working with The Virtual Foundry, the first 3D Printing Industry trophies have already been 3D printed in bronze metal.

The selected trophy design was created by Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council Award winning designer Morgan Morey who used a sculpture praised by ancient Roman art writer Pliny the Elder from 2nd century BC as the starting point.

We particularly liked the design for several reasons. The foundation of the design uses the Laocoön Group, aka Laocoön and His Sons, and introduces low-poly elements to give the impression that the figure is making itself.

Although over 2 meters in height, the original marble statue was lost for several centuries. When rediscovered by a 16th century farmer in a vineyard, Laocoön’s right arm was missing.

A stereograph from circa 1900 showing the Laocoon from the Vatican gallery.

A heated debate ensued between the most prominent makers of the day. Michelangelo argued for an arm bent back over the shoulder, fending off the snakes. While Raphael pleaded the case for an extended arm. In 1510 and to settle the matter, the pope’s architect held a competition.

Morgan Morey’s winning design joins the illustrious history of winners.

The 3D scan of the statue comes from the Scan the World collection. Jonathan Beck, from Scan the World, visited the Palace of Versailles to scan the 1696 reproduction of Laocoön and His Sons. Beck manages the world’s largest 3D printable museum, with over 6,500 statues, sculptures and busts from all 5 continents. All of these files are available for free download on MyMiniFactory.

A PLA 3D print of the trophy together with another fantastic entry in the design competition. Photo by Michael Petch.

Michael Petch is the editor-in-chief at 3DPI and the author of several books on 3D printing. He is a regular keynote speaker at technology conferences where he has delivered presentations such as 3D printing with graphene and ceramics and the use of technology to enhance food security. Michael is most interested in the science behind emerging technology and the accompanying economic and social implications.